Governor proposes higher spending on infrastructure, education and healthcare as lawmakers promise speedy consideration.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The presentation marks the governor’s first appearance before the Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” projects total expenditure of ₦1.854 trillion, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the revised 2025 budget.
Presenting the proposal, Fubara said the budget was designed to sustain economic growth, improve infrastructure, strengthen education and healthcare, and expand social investment programmes across the state.
He attributed the projected increase in revenue to improved allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), higher derivation receipts and increased internally generated revenue.
The governor proposed ₦413.1 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.405 trillion for capital projects.
The capital component includes ₦533.3 billion for works and infrastructure, ₦315 billion for education, ₦105.4 billion for healthcare, ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture.
RELATED NEWS:
- Fubara Bows to Pressure, Withdraws from 2027 Guber Race as Wike’s Camp Mocks Him
- Fubara Denies Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Commitment to APC
- Rivers Assembly Begins Screening of 9 Fubara Commissioner-Nominees
- Rivers Assembly Pushes Ahead with Fubara’s Impeachment
Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent and settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
He said his administration remained committed to prudent management of public resources, accountability and transparency.
The governor urged lawmakers to approve the proposal, describing it as a roadmap for economic growth, job creation and improved living standards.
Assembly Promises Swift Consideration
Receiving the budget, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that the Assembly would give the proposal prompt legislative attention.
He said members of the House understood their responsibility to support the state’s development.
“Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State,” Amaewhule said.
The Appropriation Bill passed first reading shortly after it was laid before the House.
After the presentation, Governor Fubara exchanged greetings with lawmakers before leaving the chamber alongside the Speaker and other members of the Assembly.
The House later adjourned plenary until July 20.
The budget presentation is seen as another sign of improved relations between the executive and the legislature following months of political reconciliation after nearly three years of conflict between the two arms of government.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.